No Control (1927)

Nancy Flood, whose father Noah operates a one-ring circus, decides to take a business job to earn extra money. John Douglas, a tired businessman ignored by his family, departs on a business trip and leaves John, Jr., in charge of the office. Young Douglas starts a flirtation with Nancy, who applies at a realty office, which is actually a cover for a poolroom operated by Kid Dugan; John saves her from Dugan's advances and gives her a job. When John Douglas returns, he discharges Nancy for incompetency, and John, Jr., accepts Noah Flood's offer to manage the circus. Desperate for money, they enter a dancing horse in a race. Knowing the animal to be particularly frightened by the circus lion, John manages to prod the horse into the home stretch by the sound of the lion's roar. The circus is thus rescued, and John Jr. is united with Nancy.